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Editor in Chief: RAFFAELLO COSSU

SOLID WASTE POLICIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE – THE CASES OF FEDERAL BRAZIL AND CANADA

  • Klaus Frey - Graduate Program of Public Policy, Federal University of ABC, Center for Engineering, Modeling and Applied Social Sciences, Brazil
  • Jutta Gutberlet - Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Canada
  • Gina Rizpah Besen - Institute of Energy and Environment, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Abstract

The objective of our paper is to scrutinize the ongoing dynamics surrounding waste and climate policies within the federal democracies of Brazil and Canada. Our research design is guided by four primary inquiries. Firstly, we look at the integration of the circular economy concept within waste and climate policies. Secondly, we explore the extent to which concerns regarding solid waste are assimilated into climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Thirdly, we assess the degree to which social inclusion is upheld as foundational principle within climate and waste policies. Lastly, we investigate the governance practices that have been put in place to promote effective intergovernmental and state-society cooperations. Initially, we illuminate the commonalities and disparities between Brazilian and Canadian federalism, emphasizing the challenges of policy coordination—a critical prerequisite for a smooth integration and successful execution of solid waste and climate policy initiatives. In the core section of our paper, we adopt a comparative lens to analyze both policy domains, focusing on (a) institutional frameworks, competencies, and the characteristics of the policy-making processes in each country; (b) legislative measures, programs, plans, and policy instruments to elucidate the policy fields and the linkages between them. We conclude our paper by juxtaposing the experiences of both countries and suggesting potential ways for mutual learning to improve federal democratic responses in tackling these complex and interlinked challenges.

Keywords


Editorial History

  • Received: 21 Mar 2024
  • Revised: 27 Jun 2024
  • Accepted: 26 Aug 2024
  • Available online: 08 Oct 2024

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